Mark Twain is one of the most beloved and respected authors in the United States. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835 in Florida, Missouri, he is known for his humorous, sharp-witted prose. He is also credited for creating some of the world’s most iconic characters in literature, such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. But before becoming a renowned writer, Twain lived in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, and this is where much of his prolific writing was done.
Before his move to Hartford, Clemens experienced an adventurous and colourful life. In 1848 he worked as an apprentice and a journeyman printer, in 1848, he became a steamboat pilot, and in 1861 a reporter, who published under the pen name, “Mark Twain”. After a series of financial misfortunes and disasters, Clemens and his family made the move to Hartford in 1871. This move would prove to be a turning point in his career.
Twain made Hartford his permanent home for nearly two decades, between the years 1871 to 1891. It was during this period he wrote some of his best-known works, among them being The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Life on the Mississippi. The author’s ability to create some of American literature’s most iconic characters in popular tales has earned him a reputation as both a master of satire and realism.
In Hartford, Twain resided in a different home each year, including the Hooker-Loomis House and the Savage Home. During this period, he was said to have lodged in luxury and celebrated the New Year extravagantly, inviting a variety of guests ranging from politicians to royalty. He was even known to make appearances at the local spelling bees and other events.
John Pinkerton, a professor of English Literature at Trinity College, said Twain’s stay in Hartford gave his life a sense of stability and a measure of contentment.
“The fact that an acclaimed author was living in a city of Hartford’s size during that period was very rare. Such a great talent usually graces larger cities, but it seemed Hartford was really able to provide the perfect environment for Twain to create his timeless works,” said Pinkerton.
Twain’s career began to wind down by the time he left Hartford in 1891. Despite his later works being critically acclaimed, his works were not as popular and his death in 1910 marked the end of an era.
Influence on Hartford
Twain is widely remembered for his contribution to literature, and his legacy is still felt throughout the city of Hartford. The Mark Twain House & Museum stands in tribute to America’s most celebrated author, and the building was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
The house attracts many tourists who come to learn about the life and works of Twain. The museum manages several programs such as literary events, workshops and classes, as well as its ‘lunch with Twain’ event, which opens an avenue of learning into the author’s contribution to the craft of writing.
In Hartford, Twain’s legacy lives on in the Educating with Twain program which allows hundreds of local students to engage with the author’s works. Students are taken to the Twain House and welcomed in a reenactment of life in the Library, which features scenarios from some of Twain’s most beloved pieces.
Philanthropic contributions Twain made to the local Community Asylum for Indigent Women and Hartford Retreat for the Insane are also remembered fondly by the neighbors of the city.
Pop Culture
Twain’s works have inspired movies, songs and the performing arts, cementing his status as an iconic figure and giving rise to the idea of ‘Twainmania’. Pop culture and his works have gone hand in hand ever since he published The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in 1876.
Renowned film director, Walt Disney, was so moved by the story of Tom Sawyer, he made two films based on it. During the days of vaudeville, Twain’s works were also adapted for the stage, as musical theatre, and popular bands have sampled some of his works for albums such as The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 Ready to Die and Tom Petty’s 1994 Wild Flowers.
Going further back, immediately after the publication of Huckleberry Finn in 1885, a man called Benjamin Lundy formed The play Huckleberry Finn that reenacted the story with a cast of black actors. The play ran for nine years and was enjoyed by millions of people in the U.S., the UK, and even Paris.
Mark Twain’s Quotes
Twain is often quoted, even more so since his passing. Many of his quotes are attributed to him without any citation.
One of his most famous lines is: “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” While Twain did not invent the wisdom stemming from these words, the life he’s crafted for himself can certainly attest to the belief.
He famously said, “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme” showing that he had a great understanding of the world and its trepidations, as well as its joys. He often talked about the power of politics and money, often siding with the everyman in many of his essays.
His quotes have become even more ironic and meaningful over the years, such as “It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare” This quote is often used to challenge people to stand up for what they believe in without fear.
Current Recognitions
Twain’s legacy has been awarded several posthumous recognitions, such as a United States Postal service stamp released in 1985, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. In 2010, the city of Hartford marked the 200th anniversary of Twain’s birth, with a month-long celebration hosting performances, lectures and educational initiatives.
Twain’s impact is still felt throughout the world, as his works have been translated into several languages, and his messages continue to inspire and challenge readers. He is remembered as the great American Author and a revolutionary of literature, and the mark he left on Hartford is a reminder of his legacy as one of the world’s most beloved writers.
Faith & Religion
Not much is known about Twain’s religious beliefs, although he was a very religious person in his youth. After years of study he declared himself a freethinker and follower of scientific rationalism, which he talked about candidly in his books. He strongly denounced the hypocrisy of organized religion, particularly in the South, and had great respect for higher education.
Twain had great respect for Native Americans and the religion they practiced. For him, their religious observance was something he hoped others could learn from. He said in a figure of speech that “if the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace. Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.. that is the only way to settle the trouble between True Christianity and the Indian is for the Government to follow the teachings of the New Testament”.
Twain’s take on religion went against the grain, a stance that earned him a lot of criticism in his lifetime. This progressive approach to spirituality through the lens of personal independence and equality was imparted upon young readers of his books, and although it was often misinterpreted it still managed to inspire quite a number of people.
Political & Social Views
Twain was an outspoken critic of injustice, and it came out through his literature. His works littered with subtexts and metaphors, often critiquing the American government and the bourgeoisie of his time. He was an avid proponent for civil rights and racial justice, and this can be seen in his works such as The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn, where he pointed out the unfairness of slavery.
Twain was a firm defender of the working classes, and had a deep understanding of the economic implications of colonialism, as he himself was a victim of it. He heavily critiqued the Spanish American War, which he viewed as a waste of resources during a time of economic turmoil in the US.
While he was a proponent of social reforms, Twain was also a critic of some aspects of the Progressive movement. He often voiced his opinions on politics but believed elected officials were more likely to be swayed by special interests and powerful financiers than the public’s interests, which he felt was one of the most damaging aspects of the broken American political system.
